Wed Jan 07 14:51:46 UTC 2026: ## ONGC Declares Mori-5 Blowout a “Geological Surprise”; Containment Efforts Progress

The Story:

On January 5, 2026, a significant natural gas blowout occurred at the ONGC’s (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village, India, during workover activities intended to increase gas flow. As of January 7, 2026, ONGC’s National Crisis Management Team, led by G. Srihari, has characterized the incident as a “geological surprise,” suggesting an underestimation of the reservoir’s parameters. While U.S.-based Wild Well experts are on standby, a decision on their deployment is pending. Initial containment efforts have been successful, reducing fire intensity and ambient heat. Evacuated residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

Key Points:

  • The blowout occurred at the Mori-5 well on January 5, 2026.
  • G. Srihari, head of ONGC’s National Crisis Management Team, attributed the event to unforeseen “geological surprise.”
  • The well is producing pure natural gas with no oil deposits.
  • There is no equipment failure, the incident is due to the reservoir’s parameters
  • A decision on deploying Wild Well experts is pending.
  • The fire intensity and ambient heat have been reduced.
  • Evacuated residents of Irusumanda, Gubbulavaripalem, and Chintalapalli have returned home.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ONGC faces challenges in accurately assessing natural gas reservoir characteristics, highlighting the inherent risks in extraction activities.
  • Immediate containment measures appear to be effective in mitigating the immediate danger.
  • The potential deployment of international experts underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for specialized expertise.
  • Transparency and communication with the public have been prioritized, as demonstrated by the joint press conference and the return of evacuees.

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